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1. Sage, an ancient sacred herb packed with health benefits, is considered a remedy for all health difficulties or diseases.
2. Great for cooking, medicinal use, and for its proven ability to eliminate airborne bacteria in your home.
3. Healing and all-natural anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial recipes and more!
Welcome back to the Energetic Health Institutes ‘Medicine in your Spice Cabinet series.’ These so-called “simple” herbs should not be taken lightly; they are some of the most potent natural medicines, and chances are, you have them in your kitchen spice rack or garden right now!
Sage, our featured herb, has been revered as a panacea herb – a solution or remedy for all health difficulties or diseases due to its high nutrient, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant content.
It is considered one of the oldest medicinal plants utilized, containing over nine hundred species within the sage family alone. In fact, did you know that Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are part of the sage family of herbs? In addition to sages’ amazing health benefits, they are also known to be a staple in pollinating gardens—bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators love them!
Its healing properties are known to assist the body, mind, and spirit – contributing to energetic/metaphysical healing. This article expands further on sage’s ability to eliminate over 94% of airborne bacteria, its expansive health benefits related to neurological and nervous system disorders, respiratory disorders, menopause, and digestive conditions, and how sage oil (Clary Sage) provides the best vegan balance of pure omega 3, 6, and 9, so much more, you do not want to miss this!
Latin Name:
Salvia officinalis (Common sage)
Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage)
Salvia apiana (White sage)
Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage)
Family: Labiatae/Lamiaceae
Common Names: Garden Rosemary
The Salvia genus family includes a wide variety of plants with different appearances, sizes, colors, and uses. Sages’ botanical name salvia is derived from the Latin word salvare, meaning “to heal.” Salvia officinalis is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. It is known that Monks brought this precious herb over the Alps into Central Europe. In the 17th century, sage trading made its way to China, where it was exchanged for their favored tea, they were convinced that it prolonged life. (1)
A widely held belief during the Middle Ages, when plagues were common, was “whoever had sage in their garden would not die”. Due to its many medicinal and antioxidant properties, it was used to cure a variety of ailments, including fevers, liver disease, digestion, and epilepsy. Sage was also associated with strengthened memory. Hence, a person who was considered a “sage” (wise man) was also known to have a deepened memory. (2)
For centuries, the most popular plant remedy used to treat colds and abdominal pain was sage leaves or sage essential oils. For example, the Greeks used it for its digestive and antiseptic properties, while the Romans used it to heal wounds and as a diuretic or anesthetic to numb the skin during a medical procedure. (3)
Native Americans have long used white sage and desert sage as a staple food, a spice, shampoo, deodorant, a cold remedy, cough medicine, and a pain reliever for headaches, rheumatism, and body aches. Leaves were burned on hot coals to fumigate houses after serious illnesses like measles, tuberculosis, and smallpox. Burning sage leaves is known as “smudging or cleansing” and continues to be practiced today for the purification of mind, body, and spirit and sacred elements before prayer, meditation, and ceremonies. (4) (5)
Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Common Sage is native to the Mediterranean and has a strong, herbal scent with hairless and primarily green leaves. It is commonly used to promote mental clarity and focus and enhance memory. Studies show its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are often utilized as a medicine and for cooking. Most intriguing is how research supports sages’ large array of active compounds to enhance cognitive activity and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s, attention and learning disorders. (6)
It is believed that compounds in sage have estrogen-like properties, allowing them to assist with menopausal conditions such as insomnia, hot flashes, and excessive sweating. (7) (8)
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Clary Sage is native to the Mediterranean region. Studies support its use as an antidepressant, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial, and it has been found to be associated with improved memory and potential Alzheimer’s fighting effects. (9)
Clary sage seed oil provides a balanced and unique source of vegan omega-3 supplementation! Research shows the oils from its seed contain a concentration of over 50% omega-3. This is considered one of the highest and rarest concentrations of omega-3 ever found in nature. (10) (11)
White Sage (Salvia apiana)
White Sage is native to Southern California. It is the most common and widely used sage for smudging – a practice used for both spiritual rites and traditional medicine for centuries. Research shows burning sage can protect your environment by eliminating 94% or more of airborne bacteria while improving your health! (12)
In addition to dissipating negative energy, white sage is also rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain known as acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, learning, attention, arousal, and involuntary muscle movement. (13)
These receptors are also responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain. Studies have confirmed that several Salvia species contain a large array of active compounds that may enhance cognitive activity and protect against neurodegenerative disease.
While there are hundreds of sage species, here are just a few more popular types:
As noted, many species of Salvia have been traditionally used to treat a range of problems, including digestive and circulation conditions, bronchitis, coughs, asthma, memory problems, angina, mouth and throat inflammation, depression, and excessive sweating. One of many commonalities of Salvia plants is polyphenols – natural antioxidants that protect cells from toxins, including airborne toxins that cause infections. (6) (18) (19)
Here are some additional reasons why sage is an herb you should get to know: (20)
Sage is a major source of:
How Sage Can Support Oral Hygiene…
Keeping your mouth healthy is an important part of your overall wellness. Poor oral hygiene is associated with heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and more. Traditionally, sage leaves were wrapped around the finger and served as a natural toothbrush and gum cleaner. Sage contains tannins, which have been shown to have antimicrobial effects that aid in killing plaque. One study using a sage-based mouthwash showed it successfully killed cavity-causing Streptococcus mutans bacteria. (21) (22) (23)
Keep in mind that typical factors that influence the potency of herbal remedies include growing, harvesting, collection, drying, and extraction methods used. Ways to utilize sage:
When shopping for medicinal-grade essential oils, be sure to do your homework! Click to learn more: “How to Choose High Quality Essential Oils”.
Sage Honey
Ingredients
Method
Sage Tea
Serves: 1
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Method
Sage Pesto
Method
Sage Tea Tincture can also be used in the following way:
· As a cold compress against skin inflammation, acne, or sting. The tea’s tannic acid provides anti-inflammatory properties.
· To ease gastric conditions such as bloating after meals. The leaves contain essential oils that protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
· For oral care: gargle or take small sips of sage tea as needed throughout the day.
Sage and sage oil is safe for most people when used in regular food doses. However, if you are taking any medication and/or are allergic to certain plant species, consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before implementing them as a spice or herbal supplement into your health regime. (18) (24)
Are you ready to start your fresh herb garden? We detail all the steps in our Oregano article. Here are two websites that will get you started on your indoor or outdoor herbal garden –
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As you can see, there is more to sage than meets the eye! Our ancestors knew it and regarded it as a natural medicine for many ailments. This unique herb provides value for both humans and the ecosystem! In the kitchen, sage is a real prima donna with its essential oils and savory flavor. In your garden, sage is the perfect attraction for pollinating friends such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, they love it!
To Your Good Health
M. Moriah Mor, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, is the owner of GreenSilk.com. The company is committed to helping individuals live a healthier lifestyle through education, nutrition, the research of life science, and the development of Professional High-Grade Premium health products.
Recognized for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the health and wellness industry for more than 18 years, Moriah is a graduate of the Energetic Health Institute and the University of Southern California. Her interest is focused on researching the latest scientific breakthroughs in the holistic health field. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Natural Medicine.
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